River Kennet
The River Kennet in Berkshire/Wiltshire, United Kingdom is one of the UK's most celebrated chalk streams. Browse 11 fishing beats along its 45-mile course, or explore the hatches, fish species, and seasons below.
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The River Kennet is one of England’s most significant chalk streams. The upper and middle reaches offer classic, gin-clear chalk stream fly fishing for wild brown trout and grayling, characterized by rich weed beds and prolific fly hatches (including the famous mayfly). Unlike the Test and Itchen, the lower Kennet eventually transitions into a mixed coarse fishery before joining the Thames.
Berkshire/Wiltshire
River Details
- Length
- 45 miles
- Source
- Swallowhead Springs, Silbury Hill
- Mouth
- Reading (joins Thames)
- Country
- United Kingdom
- County
- Berkshire
- Water Type
- chalk stream
- Website
- Visit website →
Fishing Beats on the River Kennet
11 beats availableBrowse day tickets, syndicate access, and permit fishing on the River Kennet. Each beat listing includes pricing, species, and booking details.
Avington Estate Beat
Classic chalk stream fly fishing water with main river Kennet and carriers on the beautiful Avington Estate. Very well stocked and lovingly looked after by river keeper Toby Hudson. The private fishery is not divided into individual beats; rods share approximately 4 miles of river. Enjoy a fully catered riverside luncheon in the Old Cricket Pavilion fishing lodge. Available for corporate and group days on exclusive use basis only.
Benham Estate
The Benham Estate offers the most extensive private chalk stream fly fishing of any estate in Berkshire. Spanning nearly five miles of meticulously maintained water, this premier beat provides anglers with a stunningly diverse mix of the larger main river, intimate carriers, and varied side streams. Set within a historic parkland, the estate offers exclusive, bank-only chalk stream fishing. Anglers can expect to target an excellent head of wild trout, supplemented by a carefully managed stocking program to ensure a world-class fishing experience. Complete with a riverside fishing cabin, highly convenient adjacent parking, and the welcoming expertise of full-time River Keeper Gary Allen, the Benham Estate delivers a truly exceptional day on the water.
Craven Fishery Beat
A well-established place in fly fishing history. Quintessentially English chalk stream fishing through gardens, water meadows and riparian woodlands. The historic fishing lodge is a great HQ for the day, its walls lined with memorabilia from fishing days past and present. The fishery offers very varied fishing from main river to small carrier streams as well as a casting pond for the novice. About 1.2 miles in total. River keeper Josh Purton has done much work in recent years to improve the aquatic habitat.
Dog Kennels
A named stretch within the Barton Court estate where wild trout spawning redds have been observed. Part of the intricate network of carriers and side streams that criss-cross the estate's ancient water meadows.
Littlecote Fishery – Eastridge Estate Beat
The Eastridge Estate's stretch of the River Kennet on the Berkshire/Wiltshire border just outside Hungerford. Winner of the Wild Trout Trust's 2014 Conservation Award. Classic chalk stream fishing with fast flowing clear water, wonderful gravel beds, good Ranunculus growth and excellent fly life. Home to the famous Kennet 'greenback' brown trout strain. Upstream dry fly only. Limited availability for group and corporate days only.
Middle Cut
A carrier or side stream stretch with strong lines of hawthorn trees along the banks, offering excellent dry fly fishing during the hawthorn hatch. One of the named sections within the Barton Court water meadow network.
Fisheries on the River Kennet
1 fishery availableFishery operators offering bookable access on the River Kennet. Each listing covers tickets, accommodation, tuition, and equipment hire where available.